Savvy Shopping: Average Girl Style

We're in a recession people! While it may have been chic to show your findings from a spending spree in years past, now it's all about bragging about a great bargain. Check out some of my favorite ways to save while still looking stylish.

Loehmann's: Man, I love this store! In my opinion it's like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls but better (though TJ's is a close second). Best to avoid shopping on the weekends when intense shoppers who throw elbows are in full force, but go in on a week day or night to take your time to browse the racks. I've scored a $450 Nanette Lepore dress for under $60, silver Ray Ban aviators for $30, and more recently a really cute, bright-blue Juicy Couture bathing suit for just $25 (regularly $120+). Just saw the exact same bottoms on sale at Bloomies for $57 (see pic); score! At Loehmy's, always check out The Back Room for the best designer fashions at discount prices, and don't miss the children's and men's sections. They're typically small but have good finds. Bought my girl five pairs of Splendid leggings at an embarrassingly inexpensive $5 each!

Shop it to me: This site refers to itself as "your personal shopper," and they don't disappoint! Register, tell the site your go-to brands and stores, and then get ready to receive emails with sales of your favorite... everything! It's kind of dangerous! Takes the hassle out of going to a million web sites to look for sales or Googleing the item you're looking for. Everything from Tory Burch to Old Navy, Saks to the Gap, DVF,Michael Kors, NineWest, whatever your heart -- and stylish bod -- desires.

Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com, etc: We can't all live in NYC with enviable fashion, gorgeous window displays and sample sales seemingly around ever corner, but at least we have fab web sites like these that offer them right at our finger tips. Register at these sites and others (mom alert: check out zulily.com). Be aware that the merch is pretty limited. If you want something, be at your computer the second the sale starts, or beware... the competition is fierce.

TAGG tip

Shop the day BEFORE a sale (if you have time to go back the next day): Especially with stores that have limited merchandise, this can make a big difference. Not only are stores less crowded, but there's a much better chance you'll find your size. I get emails from about a half dozen or so of my favorite shops so I'm always in the know about a big sale. Find what you want, try it on and put it on hold. The next day, just make a pit stop at the store to make a quick purchase. This also gives you the opportunity to review potential purchases one last time. Just ask yourself... Do I reeeaaalllyyy need it?

Look for more of my tips in a future post; can't give it all away at once! What are your favorite ways to save on the latest fashions and wardrobe staples?

Cool Summer Looks for Hot Prices

With summer almost half-way over (tear!), who wants to invest in pricey accessories that soon will be pushed to the back of the closet in favor of boots, scarves and other Fall must-haves?

Thanks to InStyle magazine, check out more than 20 drool-worthy accessories UNDER $50 each that will help you beat the heat... or at least look good while you're sweating to death: click here to check them out. Here's just a few of my favorites that are so neutral they'd pair perfectly with a cotton tee and cut-off shorts or khaki capris, or your go-to summer dress.

Aldo cuff, on sale for $11.98 each

Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges, $30

Steve Madden Boat Shoes, $50

Spiegel Beach Bag, $34

CVS is one good deal

Ok, not everything is a good deal at CVS but utilize the store's ExtraCare Rewards Program just right, and you'll start saving. Ask for a card next time you're at the register... every purchase you make is tracked (which I don't love, but hey... can't win 'em all!). Once you start spending, you'll start receiving Extra Bucks you can use throughout the store and bundle with other coupons and BOGO (Buy-One-Get-One) deals. Tip: I like to get my coupons before I start shopping. Most stores have a kiosk when you walk in; look for it.



The good part of them tracking your purchases is that it seems that the coupons are tailored to me. Love Garnier Nuctrisse products? I once used a $2 off coupon the same week as a BOGO so got two products for $2! Special K with red berries? Each box was just $1.88 and I had two coupons for $1 off/box. Fab deal; I stocked up with six boxes. Buy two boxes of Fiber One chocolate granola bars (mmm, delish) on sale and get $5 in extra rewards. Tip: When this happens, buy this item first so you'll get the $5 coupon right then to use on whatever else you're purchasing. If you're like me, it's easier to use it right then and there.



And, just learned: Every so often you get $10 off a $50 purchase. I never spend much at CVS at one time, but I do at Publix... and Publix takes competitors coupons!! Cha-ching. If you don't live in Florida, check with your local grocer. Many national chains have the same promotion.



Happy shopping (and saving!)